Senior dog with digestive issues: What food to avoid grain-free risks?

In general, it is not recommended to feed dogs a grain free diet unless they are known to have a grain allergy (which is very uncommon). There are many misconceptions about pet nutrition circulating. While the link is not yet understood and has multiple factors, something about the grain free diets may be allowing heart disease to develop in certain dogs. I recommend to feed a high quality brand with a good reputation and minimal problems with food recalls. The brand I like the most is Royal Canin. They conduct feeding trials to measure the digestibility of their diets. Most pets who eat this brand have excellent coat and stool quality. They also tend to produce minimal stool which is a sign the diet does not contain fillers and is highly digestible. I also recommend Nutro and Purina Pro Plan. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

There is no proof that grain free diets help with anal sac issues, so I would switch Bauer off a grain free diet, especially in light of the issues with those diet and dilated cardiomyopathy. I'd put him on a diet like Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Iams. I'd also put him on Glandex, a supplement which can help with his anal sac issues.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I definitely understand your concern. I do think it would be best to switch them to a regular diet. There are many types out there that are affordable and good. I like the Purina Pro Plan shredded blends in that category because they are palatable, affordable and of very good quality. Good luck and have a great day!

Grains are very rarely the cause of any skin issues so switching Kyya to a normal, grain containing diet is recommended. Keep in mind that the link is not understood but as long as the pet is not showing signs of heart disease, changing the diet will help avoid any heart pathology. The brand I like best is Royal Canin. You would pick the large breed formula. I also like Purina ProPlan. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Copper. I do not recommend feeding a grain free diet. You are correct that some of these diets have been linked to heart disease. Furthermore, most of these diets are higher in carbohydrates and calories. This can lead to unnecessary weight gain. I recommend a well balanced puppy food from a reputable company. Depending on his projected adult size, you may consider a large breed formula. I personally recommend Purina Purina ProPlan or Royal Canin as they put an extensive amount of research into their diets. They have veterinarians on staff and perform feeding trials on dogs as opposed to laboratory analysis. These are benefits small boutique pet food company just cannot provide. I hope this information helps!

I was stay away from grain free until they figure out the links between it and heart disease in dogs. If Kona has a sensitive stomach I highly suggest Purina Sensitive Skin and Stomach. I have had tons of success with this food. Remember, more expensive food does not make it better. Feed according to the directions on the bag based on the dog's ideal weight. ( https://www.proplan.com/dogs/products/focus-adult-sensitive-skin-stomach-salmon-rice-formula )

Definitely do not feed grain free! Vets are seeing an increase in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy who are on grain free diets. Iams and Royal Canin are both excellent foods. I feed my own dogs Iams, and they love it. You aren't wasting money on those brands of foods, and I would give her food from one of those brands. Other brands I recommend include Hill's Science Diet, and Purina ProPlan. I hope this helps!